Ha Long Bay, fittingly named the

Life Resort Ha Long Bay

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It took 20 million years for haunting Halong Bay to develop into the mesmerising natural wonder it is today. Literally meaning "Descending Dragon Bay," this other worldly place is exactly where you might expect a dragon to touch down, magic to happen, or spells to be cast. Here, Karst formations rise straight out of the water and mist, forming eerie monoliths topped with patches of thick jungle. Touring the bay on a traditional Chinese junk, sail boat, or your own kayak will leave you marvelling at the endlessly fascinating sights here, as well as the sense of utter peace these storied waters embody. After just a few hours in Halong Bay, you'll agree with ancient poet Nguyen Trai, who called the natural phenomenon a "rock wonder in the sky."

The karst formations of Halong Bay are not just beautiful on the outside, but many also contain caves whose breath taking glory is only equalled by the sense of quiet isolation suffusing each mystical chamber. When you enter a cave and all you hear is the occasional drip of mineral-rich water, gently forming stalactites as it has done for aeons, your awe of Halong Bay will reach new heights. Reverence for the caves here is so great that locals and tourists alike often take a moment to pray and leave offerings. The sense that the Gods are watching Halong Bay is simply unavoidable.

Sung Sot Cave is one of the best. Safe pathways here guide visitors through the unforgettable caverns, and the view from its high vantage point is a photographic opportunity second to none. Dau Go Cave, or Cave of Wonders, never disappoints those in search of awesome beauty and serenity, while Hang Dau Go, or Wooden Stakes Cave, is the largest grotto in the Halong Bay area. Hang Trong, or Drum Grotto, gets its name from the fact that wind blowing through its stalactites and stalagmites imitates the sound of distant drumbeats.

The islands of Halong Bay also offer excellent opportunities for exploration. The bay's floating reed islands support traditional fishing villages, while the larger limestone formations are often populated by antelope, monkeys, and iguana. Cat Ba Island offers unparalleled photographic opportunities, with its diverse landscape including coral terraces, freshwater wetlands, and willow and mangrove swamps.

Sited in north-eastern Vietnam, this enchanting bay is part of the western bank of Bac Bo Gulf, also known as the Gulf of Tonkin. Halong Bay has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site twice, for its exceptional scenic beauty. Halong Bay is surely one of the most popular, yet best preserved tourist sites in Vietnam. The site of its ghostly monoliths rising out of the mists is legendary and will inhabit your imagination for years to come.